LPG conversion - any experience?

[IKZ4]

Thinking of getting the X3 converted to LPG, just wondered if anyone has experience of running an LPG car. I'm interested in any real world drawbacks like fuel availability, reduced range, effect on MPG, annual service of LPG system, mechanical issues, any effect on insurance, etc.

Feedback appreciated, many thanks

 

[ab7]

Friend of mine has just bought a 530i touring and converted it to LPG.

Really nice car with all the extra options etc.

I can't say I know much about servicing/ issues etc. (sure someone will be along to answer those questions in more detail), but plenty of availability of LPG around my area, and he is saving a fortune on what would otherwise be (well is) a very thirsty car.

 

[Stuart Truman]

Iirc, someone on here converted their zed to LPG :?

 

[ranski]

I sure this was on eBay a few months back - so I guess he never made his money back!

 

[chris g]

I am always put off by the number of LPG cars that have just had replacement engines - im not convinced yet

 

[markeg]

There was discussion on this thread. I remember someone doing this on the Alpina forum (think it was with a B10)


Tapatalking...

 

[ab7]

I am always put off by the number of LPG cars that have just had replacement engines - im not convinced yet

Hmm, the previous car my friend has (which the 530i is replacing), was also converted to LPG, they never had any problems with it engine wise, and they've been running LPG on it for over 10 years.

 

[oli445]

Iirc, someone on here converted their zed to LPG :?

That would be me!

I did a lot of research before deciding to convert the Z and I understand that for 99% of the people on here it wouldn't make sense but for me it did. I had it done in April and haven't had any issues.

MPG will reduce by around 10% (but LPG is around 71p per litre)

Fuel availability is generally pretty good, there is a shell station near work and a shell station near home so once you have your local stations its fine. There are downloadable LPG stations Maps to all SatNavs for when your away on a trip. (Plus the car switches back to petrol automatically if you do run out of LPG)

Range will be decided by the size of the Tank that you fit but I think you would probably get around an 80 litre tank in the spare wheel well (if X3's have one?)

As for servicing, it's not been a year yet but I'm not foreseeing any big bills, just a filter change and check everything is still working as it should.

For me the 2 main deciding factors would be the cars annual mileage and how long you plan to keep it. There are some online calculators that will work out your monthly save.

 

[oli445]

I sure this was on eBay a few months back - so I guess he never made his money back!

Not mine!

 

[chris g]

I am always put off by the number of LPG cars that have just had replacement engines - im not convinced yet

Hmm, the previous car my friend has (which the 530i is replacing), was also converted to LPG, they never had any problems with it engine wise, and they've been running LPG on it for over 10 years.

i m sure it works for lots of people - but there are loads of lpg conversions with replacement engines - knowing my luck, i would be one of them #just sayin

 

[Finisterre]

I test drove an X5 4.8 with LPG, it was affordable luxury motoring and a very nice drive. I then checked the lpg map for availability and rang the stations to check prices but found my nearest supplier had discontinued their service so I didn't bother any further.

 

[Finisterre]

oly445, your Z does 27 mpg @71p a litre.

What did that do to your monthly fuel bills?

If you don't mind me asking.

 

[Taz]

oli445, do you work at the co-op, stockport?

 

[oli445]

oli445, do you work at the co-op, stockport?

Yes Taz! We already had this discussion when you posted a pic of my car in the car park in summer!

 

[Pants]

and oli is there a link a thread about your conversion as with the miles I do i'd def consider it!

 

[Taz]

oh right lol, i have a rubbish memory lol

 

[oli445]

oly445, your Z does 27 mpg @71p a litre.

What did that do to your monthly fuel bills?

If you don't mind me asking.

Saves me about £120 per month!

 

[oli445]

and oli is there a link a thread about your conversion as with the miles I do i'd def consider it!

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=39997

 

[Finisterre]

I would. On a 2.0 we would be getting 60+mpg equivalent. Pity we have no convenient suppliers. It is twelve miles to the nearest station.

 

[ab7]

I am always put off by the number of LPG cars that have just had replacement engines - im not convinced yet

Hmm, the previous car my friend has (which the 530i is replacing), was also converted to LPG, they never had any problems with it engine wise, and they've been running LPG on it for over 10 years.

i m sure it works for lots of people - but there are loads of lpg conversions with replacement engines - knowing my luck, i would be one of them #just sayin

Lol well, if you're one of those unlucky people you always take the risk I guess! But yeh whilst I've heard negative 'stories', the 4 or 5 people I actually know who've been running LPG for a long time haven't had any problems.

I'm told it's 'much improved' these days in terms of performance and reliability etc. too.